Giving Back

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Pablo Picasso

In early 2014, our grandson was born 13 weeks early weighing 1 lb. 6 oz. Most of his first year of life was spent in the hospital and involved surgeries, tests, xrays, therapy, and so on. Needless to say, we all developed some close relationships with, and much appreciation for, the doctors and nurses at the hospital. Thankfully, our big guy is now over 20 lbs. and progressing well!

Also at this time we had been trying to think of a project we could do that would involve “giving back”. We knew we wanted it to involve art because art has always been a big part of our lives. We decided to combine our appreciation for the hospital and our love of art by creating an “art bag” that could be given to children who might appreciate a break from the tests and therapy they may be going through as patients.

Then, we decided to go bigger. With our whole family involved, we would share the bags with other children who may need some inspiration and encouragement when they are faced with difficult situations that may come into their lives.

Earlier this year, Young at ART was born! Each of our nine grandkids drew a stick figure self portrait that became our logo. We put together a book that tells a little about nine master artists. After each artist, an assignment is given. We created a sketch pad for additional drawings and put together crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Since our desire is to encourage and inspire all kids to be artists, we determined that we would sell the bags and for every bag we sell, we will donate a bag to a child in need. It may be in a hospital, it may be in a shelter, or it may be someone we are acquainted with.

We visited with individuals at Primary Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, and The Christmas Box House. Our idea was warmly received and we came away realizing that we could easily place over 500 bags if we had them. We got to work creating a website and an Etsy shop where the bags can be purchased. Young at ART bags make wonderful Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and anytime gifts! And the best part is–when you purchase a bag for a gift to a loved one, we will give a bag as a gift to a child in need.

We’d love to have you follow and share us on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog, check out our website, or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you. If you have a young artist in your life, we would love to post some of their art in our website “gallery”. Just email or text it to us along with a first name and age.